The Sermon on the Mount vs. The Sermon on the Plain - a Comparison
What’s the Difference Between the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain?
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) focuses on spiritual qualities and inward transformation, delivered to Jewish disciples. The Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49) emphasizes social justice and God’s care for the marginalized, addressing a broader audience. While both teach about God’s kingdom, their themes and audience differ.
The Sermon on the Mount vs. The Sermon on the Plain: A Side-by-Side Comparison
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49) both present profound teachings of Jesus, but their contexts and emphases differ in striking ways. While both serve as foundational messages about the values of the Kingdom of God, the way each Gospel presents them reflects the unique theological perspectives of Matthew and Luke. Let’s explore these two sermons side by side, looking at their structure, themes, audience, and implications for today.
1. Structure: The Setting and Delivery
Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7):
Matthew presents Jesus’ sermon as a lengthy discourse on a mountain, signaling its connection to the law given by Moses on Mount Sinai. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) are the opening, followed by teachings on subjects like salt and light, the fulfillment of the law, personal relationships, and prayer. The sermon is more extensive, containing a mix of ethics, piety, and eschatological warnings.
Important! Did you know that Matthew structures his gospel like the 5 Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)?! Matthew, writing to a predominantly Jewish audience, wants to reinforce the idea of Jesus as the new lawgiver and fulfillment of the prophecies.
In Matthew’s gospel, there are 5 Discourses, and they each end with, “When Jesus had finished saying these things . . . “ which signals the close of that section. Then there is action by Jesus, and the next discourse takes place. The Sermon on the Mount is the first discourse.
Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49):
Luke’s version takes place on a level place (or plain), which may suggest accessibility—Jesus is teaching to a broader audience, possibly less separated from the people. The sermon is shorter, with four blessings and four woes (Luke 6:20-26) rather than the extensive list of Beatitudes found in Matthew. Luke’s version is more concise but still addresses similar themes.
2. Themes: Blessings and Woes
Sermon on the Mount:
Matthew’s Beatitudes focus primarily on spiritual qualities and the reward in heaven for those who live according to God’s kingdom values. They emphasize inward transformation and a personal relationship with God. For example, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). There’s a focus on righteousness and purity.
Sermon on the Plain:
Luke’s blessings and woes are more social and economic in focus, drawing a sharp contrast between the lowly and the proud. For instance, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20). This positions the poor, hungry, and mournful as recipients of God’s favor, while those who are rich, well-fed, and comfortable are warned. The focus is not just spiritual but also economic justice, highlighting the reversal of fortunes in God’s kingdom, which Mary sang about in her Magnificat.
A Visual Comparison of the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain
| Aspect | Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) | Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17-49) |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Mountain (symbolizing authority and connection to Moses) | Level place (symbolizing accessibility and inclusivity) |
| Length | Longer, with multiple teachings on ethics, prayer, and righteousness | Shorter, more concise, with a focus on blessings and woes |
| Key Focus | Inward transformation and righteousness | Social justice, humility, and God's concern for the marginalized |
| Beatitudes | Spiritual qualities (e.g., “Blessed are the poor in spirit”) | Social and economic focus (e.g., “Blessed are the poor”) |
| Audience | Primarily Jewish disciples | Broad, including both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing inclusivity |
| Theological Emphasis | Emphasis on individual righteousness, purity, and the kingdom of heaven | Focus on societal justice, the reversal of fortunes, and equality |
| Key Teachings | Salt and light, the fulfillment of the law, how to pray, ethical living | Four blessings and four woes, love for enemies, the golden rule |
| Implications for Today | Calls for personal transformation, ethical living, and influence in the world | Challenges societal structures, calls for humility and justice for the poor |
3. Audience: Who Is Listening?
Sermon on the Mount:
Matthew’s Gospel often emphasizes Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy. His audience is typically understood to be Jewish disciples—those who were already familiar with the law and expectations of God. The setting on the mountain further evokes the image of Moses delivering God’s commands to Israel, making it clear that Jesus is bringing a new, authoritative message to the people of Israel.
Sermon on the Plain:
Luke, on the other hand, tends to emphasize Jesus’ ministry to the marginalized and outsider. While the crowd still includes disciples, Luke stresses that people from all over Judea and Jerusalem, as well as from Tyre and Sidon, came to hear Jesus (Luke 6:17). This wider audience includes not just Jews, but Gentiles as well, aligning with Luke’s broader focus on God’s inclusivity. The setting on a level place could symbolize Jesus’ message of accessibility and equality.
4. Implications for Today: What Does This Teach Us?
Both sermons challenge us deeply, but in slightly different ways:
Sermon on the Mount:
Matthew’s focus on inward purity, righteousness, and personal transformation speaks to the individual believer. The message is about how to live as a disciple in the world, addressing everything from personal ethics to our relationships with others. The call to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) highlights how Christians are meant to influence society in a positive, transformative way. The moral teachings are timeless, urging believers to seek the kingdom of heaven above all else.
Sermon on the Plain:
Luke’s emphasis on social justice and the reversal of worldly values pushes us to think about how we treat others, especially the poor, hungry, and oppressed. Jesus’ blessings and woes offer a clear picture of God’s concern for social equality and justice, challenging systems of power and wealth. In a world where the rich and powerful are often praised, the Sermon on the Plain calls us to stand with the marginalized, to live with humility, and to seek a kingdom where justice, mercy, and peace reign.
Conclusion: A Unified Message with Different Emphases
Though the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon on the Plain differ in structure and emphasis, both convey the same central message: the values of the Kingdom of God stand in stark contrast to the values of the world. Matthew’s sermon highlights the inward transformation necessary for kingdom living, while Luke’s version brings to the forefront God’s concern for the marginalized and the societal implications of following Jesus. Together, these two accounts give us a fuller picture of Jesus’ radical call to discipleship—a call to live justly, humbly, and righteously, with our eyes fixed on God’s eternal kingdom.
